Summary: Elijah found himself discouraged and lying under a juniper tree begging God to let him die. God renewed his hope and faith. Let’s look to see what happened.

This passage breaks into a series of amazing events in the life of Elijah. A few years earlier Ahab had become the king of Israel. He turned out to be the most wicked king in the history of Israel. Along with his wicked wife Jezebel, Ahab began promoting idol worship. Under God’s direction, Elijah told Ahab that there would be no rain upon the land except at the word of Elijah. God held back the rain for 3 years. A great famine broke out all across the land.

Just recently, Elijah had a showdown on Mt. Carmel against 450 prophets of Baal. God had sent down fire from heaven and consumed Elijah’s sacrifice.

Elijah then killed the 450 prophets of Baal. Then Elijah prayed to God for the rain to return to the land. As he began to see the rain cloud coming from a distance, he warned Ahab to hurry home before the rain stopped him. God gave Elijah strength and running on foot he outran Ahab’s horse and chariot.

It is here after all these victories that we find Elijah here in 1 Kings chapter 19. Ahab told Jezebel about the killing of 450 of her prophets of Baal. She vows to kill Elijah by morning.

Here we find Elijah entering into a period of deep depression. After all these wonderful victories God has given him, now at the threat of losing his life he runs away to hide. He finds himself resting under a juniper tree. He prays to God and asks God to take his life.

What are some things that can cause discouragement in God’s people?

1. Hardness of the way.

2. Difficulty of the task.

3. Prosperity of the wicked.

4. Delay in fulfillment of desires.

What are some factors that can magnify the effects of discouragement?

1. Physical Exhaustion

2. Hunger

3. Sleep deprivation

4. Busy-ness

There are times when God’s children find themselves under the juniper tree. If you ever find yourself there you will have plenty of company.

I. Moses

Numbers 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?

12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.

14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

II. Joshua

Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!

III. Job

Job 10:1 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

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Hi just to say very informative, I needed to know of the men of God who faces what we do sometimes we see biblical men and women as perfect but this so encouraged me and my situation with my sister God has given me that word juniper tree so I better understand, thank you